Kingdom of Pets

Posted by my2weims
Aug 1, 2011

I have a 9 month old weimaraner that I adopted when he was 4 months old. He attends doggie daycare at least 2 to 3 days per week and we do an agility class once a week. The problem I am having with Jet is that I cannot leave him alone. He has chewed all my pillows on my sofa and the carpeting. I give him chew toys when I leave. I spray bitter apple everywhere. Nothing seems to work. Is there something else I should be doing?

Please help.
my2weims

Posted by arlenet4
Aug 1, 2011

I had the same problem than you, with the difference that I have two medium-large dogs that love to shew everything. I buy shew toys, real cow bone, wood, I spray with bitter apple...I put tabasco sauce on furniture, I put cayenne pepper in the kitchen...but a combination of thing it's what had "almost" work for me...I bought two "SOFA SCRAM SONIC SCAT MAT DOG CAT DETERRENT" and I put it on the floor on either side of my two Sofas, so they can not reach the cushions. I still put cayenne pepper on my gavinet doors of the kitchen, change often the toys and bones, but the most important improvement I have see is that now every morning I walk them for at leat a half of an hour, and when I reach home I walk another 20 minute or so. I can tell you, I had read this advice a lot, but always had the escuse that I didn't had time, but when a wood chair I used to had colapse I knew I had to do something different. I hope this can help you, and if you know somethin better, please let me know

Posted by MaxHollyNoah
Aug 1, 2011

Hi my2weims,

The first thing came to my mind when I read your posting was "separation anxiety" rather than "boredom".

Dogs can be destructive when they have separation anxiety. Do you think your pup might have it?

If your pup just chews up things out of boredom, you might want to start crate train, if you have not yet done.

If it's indeed because of separation anxiety, it might be more complex and we can think of some solutions so please let us know what you think.

Posted by KOPCaroline
Aug 2, 2011

Hi there,

I also think it could be seperation anxiety - Ive heard Weimers are a high strung breed, and that anxiety is a common issue with them. The few Wiemys I know are definite anxiety cases - history much like yours.

Do you know if your pup makes a lot of noise (crying, howling) while you're gone? Can you find out from neighbors? Whats he like when you get ready to leave the house - as you put on your jacket, get your keys/bag, etc? If he starts winding up then, its more likely seperation anxiety.

I would highly recommend crate training for your dog - this will help if its due to boredom or anxiety. Either way, it will keep him confined while youre away, so the destruction is lessened (I would highly recommend this to arlenet too! for your two chewing dogs). You can still give interactive toys and treats in the crate for entertainment, but as I said, it confines them to a non-destructible environment while you're gone.

Arlenet is right too, in that exercise RIGHT before you leave is a great idea - as much energy as you can get out of your pup is better. Even if you can't go for a walk, play fetch in the yard, have a big romp of tug of war, etc.

Certainly some of this behaviour may calm down as your pup ages - less than a year is still heaps of energy and curiosity, so you may see less destruction with increasing age. Again though, if its anxiety, you may not see a decrease without training.

You can always look into anxiety medications or DAP pheromone spray/plug ins for your home - if crate training isnt an option, or in combo with crate training. Your vet will be able to tell you more about these options.

Please let us know if you think it is boredom or anxiety - as MHN said, we can offer more advice!!

Posted by my2weims
Aug 14, 2011

Thank you everyone for your responses. I definitely need to exercise him more. Its so easy to make excuses but I need to push myself. I feel bad for the dog because I know its not his fault unfortunately my husband does not see it that way. I am also going to read more about separation anxiety and see what I need to do to help my dog.

Thank you again.

Weimaraner Puppy